Choosing the perfect backsplash to complement black granite countertops and white cabinets can be a fun, creative process. With so many backsplash options to pick from, you’re sure to find one that matches your personal style and aesthetic. Here are some of our top recommendations for stunning backsplashes that pair beautifully with black granite and white cabinets.
Neutral Backsplash Colors
White Subway Tile
Going with a simple, clean white subway tile is a timeless and versatile choice that will brighten up your kitchen. The high-contrast look of crisp white subway tiles against rich black granite countertops and bright white cabinets makes for a striking, graphic combo. White subway tiles have a classic, vintage feel that works great in traditional, country, or modern minimalist kitchens. Subway tiles come in glossy or matte finishes, so you can customize the look. For variation, consider alternating between white and light gray subway tiles.
Gray Stone or Gray Marble Tile
For a backsplash with a little more visual texture and depth, gray stone or marble tiles are an elegant pick. The subtle gray tones complement both the black granite and white cabinets, providing a polished, neutral backdrop. Tiles in natural stone materials like travertine, marble, or slate have beautiful veining and patterns that add organic interest. Go for a honed finish for a soft, matte look. Or choose polished or tumbled stone tiles for a subtle gleam. Stack the tiles in a classic brickwork layout for timeless appeal.
Beige and Taupe Tones
Backsplash tiles in warm, earthy hues like beige, cream, and taupe also pair beautifully with black granite and white cabinets. Whether you choose ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles, these softer tones provide a cohesive and calming feel. Organic patterned tiles in colors like cappuccino, sand, or linen inject soft texture. Or go for solid tiles in cream, oatmeal, or light taupe for a seamless look. Add some shine with polished porcelain tiles or opt for a matte finish.
Add Pops of Color
While neutral backsplash hues are versatile, don’t be afraid to incorporate pops of color for extra flair. Vibrant glass, ceramic, or handmade art tile backsplashes look stunning against black and white.
Teal and Aqua Tiles
Cool greenish-blue hues like teal, seafoam, and aqua complement black granite strikingly. These lively colors make the backsplash the focal feature and add an unexpected retro or vintage vibe. Play with gorgeous Moroccan-inspired tiles or opt for glossy ceramic in zigzag patterns, fish scale motifs, or ornate designs. Mixing blue and green glass or metallic tiles amps up the radiance.
Emerald Green Tiles
Deep green emerald tones energize a black and white kitchen with an organic, earthy feel. Choose vibrant hand-painted pattern tiles depicting foliage, flowers, or Moroccan motifs. Or go for solid green glass tiles or ceramic tiles in a fun retro chevron layout. Adding a green backsplash injects a bold, tropical vibe.
Sapphire, Cobalt, or Navy Tiles
The dramatic look of glossy deep blue or navy glass tiles pops against black granite and bright white cabinets. Go for eye-catching mosaic tiles or artful Moroccan-style patterns. Navy blue ceramic subway tiles also have bold appeal. Varying the size and layout of shiny cobalt tiles creates an artistic feature wall effect.
Natural Stone and Marble
Backsplashes made of natural materials like marble, travertine, and limestone work beautifully with the elegant high-end look of granite countertops.
Carrara Marble
The distinctive white veining against a soft gray background on Carrara marble tiles complements both the black granite and white cabinets stylishly. Carrara marble brings subtle movement and an organic feel that contrasts with the countertop’s solid surface. A polished marble backsplash adds luxe glamour. Opt for a striking herringbone pattern or classic subway layout.
Travertine Tiles
With tan, cream, and rustic earth tones, travertine tile backsplashes harmonize seamlessly with black granite and white cabinets. The natural pitted texture and tonal variations of travertine tiles add organic visual interest. Travertine comes polished or tumbled. Go for a brickwork or subway layout, or get creative with penny tile patterns. Finish with a stone sealer to protect the porous tiles.
Black Marble Accents
For dramatic contrast, bring in black marble subway tiles or accent tiles against the white cabinets. Pairing rich black marble with black granite countertops grounds the space. Add intrigue with marble tiles featuring fine white veining. Black marble backsplash tiles work best for modern or contemporary kitchens.
Vibrant Painted or Stenciled Backsplashes
If you’re looking for a punch of color, consider a painted or stenciled backsplash mural using specialized paints designed to adhere to tile, metal backsplashes, or wallboard.
Hand-Painted Botanical Murals
Custom backsplash murals featuring hand-painted flowers, leaves, vines, and tropical motifs add a bold, artistic element. Fanciful botanical murals look whimsical against the black granite and bright white cabinetry. Choose colors like turquoise, coral, lime green, chartreuse, or sky blue. Patterns featuring birds, butterflies or stylized flowers amp up the liveliness.
Geometric Patterns and Shapes
Make a geometric or Moroccan-patterned stenciled backsplash the focal point by choosing electric colors like orange, violet, hot pink, or gold. Crisp diamond, triangular, zigzag, or chevron designs look bold and graphic. Paint a metal or glass backsplash in geometric shapes using glossy enamel paints.
Abstract Painted Murals
For contemporary edge, opt for a completely avant-garde abstract backsplash mural. Think wild splatters of color, gestural swirls, layered drips, and brushstrokes to mimic an abstract painting. Blacks, intense jewel tones, metallics, and white work impactfully. Use an iridescent paint finish for trippy effects.
Creative Materials and Finishes
Dream up an artistic focal point backsplash by utilizing unique materials, 3D textures, or special finishes.
Recycled Glass Tile
Sustainable backsplashes made from recycled glass tiles come in unlimited color options, like turquoise, leaf green, canary yellow, magenta, and transparent. Recycled glass tile adds gleam and helps refract light. Choose from tumbled, mirrored, or iridescent finishes. Try arranging the tiles in organic patterns.
Handmade Ceramic Tile
For a funky, artsy look, install a backsplash of handmade art tiles with imperfections and color variations for tons of charm. Handmade crackled glaze tiles, colorful Mexican Talavera tiles, or custom mosaic tiles make a cheery personal statement.
Metal Tiles
Small mirrored, copper, pewter, or nickel metal tiles lend eye-catching shine, especially when mixed with glass tiles. Go for hammered, stainless steel, or tin tiles for industrial edge. Cut metal tiles create captivating light reflections against the black granite.
Wooden Backsplash
A reclaimed wood plank backsplash adds rustic warmth that plays nicely off the countertop and cabinetry. Woods like aged barnwood, rescued heart pine, or salvaged oak have organic grooves and color variations. The multi-tonal look of weathered driftwood makes a beachy statement.
Backsplashes That Complement Specific Granite Countertop Colors
Certain backsplash hues and materials complement specific black granite countertop shades especially well.
Absolute Black Granite
Pair moody Absolute Black granite with white or gray backsplashes for sharp contrast. Crisp white subway tiles keep things bright. For softer contrast, go for gray marble or travertine stone tiles. Black granite with white streaks pops against emerald green glass tile.
Ubatuba Granite
With green and gold undertones, Ubatuba granite looks amazing with backsplashes in sage, light green, or pale yellow. Try handmade crackle glaze tiles in lime tones. Blue glass or marble mosaic tiles play off Ubatuba’s aqua flecks.
Black Pearl Granite
Mysterious Black Pearl granite comes alive against vibrant orange, coral, or teal glass tile backsplashes. Navy blue ceramic or peacock glass tiles inspire a glamorous vibe. Creamy travertine or white marble backsplashes balance the bold granite.
Design Tips for Backsplashes with Black Granite and White Cabinets
- Mix up subway tile sizes like 4×8” and 3×6” for dimension
- Incorporate contemporary materials like recycled glass or metal tiles
- Use mosaic tiles or penny tiles as accents
- Combine glossy and matte tiles for visual interest
- Carry the backsplash color onto the lower cabinetry for a seamless look
- Consider open shelving instead of upper cabinets to highlight the backsplash
- Illuminate the backsplash with properly placed task lighting
- Use a granite countertop with movement such as swirling patterns
- Trim the cabinets and backsplash with matching metals for cohesion
- Ground the space with a dark wood laminate or hardwood flooring
FAQs About Backsplashes for Black Granite and White Cabinets
Should I go for a light or dark backsplash with black granite and white cabinets?
Either a light or dark backsplash can look amazing with the high-contrast black and white scheme. Light backsplashes (like white subway tile or gray marble) make the colors pop. Dark backsplashes (like black marble or navy tiles) ground the space.
What is the most popular backsplash for black granite white cabinets?
White subway tile is the most popular choice because it is timeless, neutral, and brightens the space. White marble tile is also a top pick for its soft gray veins and upscale look.
Do you need to seal a stone backsplash?
It’s recommended to seal natural stone backsplashes like marble, travertine, and limestone using a penetrating stone sealer. This protects the porous tiles from stains and damage. Reapply every 1-2 years. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles don’t need sealing.
Should the backsplash match the countertops or cabinets?
The backsplash doesn’t need to exactly match either the countertops or cabinets. Contrast can look very striking. However, it often looks best to pick out a color from either the cabinets or countertop and use that in the backsplash, like choosing white subway tile that matches white cabinetry.
What colors make black granite pop?
Vibrant colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red make black granite really stand out. Backsplashes in these saturated jewel tones contrast excitingly with the dark countertops. Warmer tones like orange, yellow, and terracotta also make the black granite pop.
Conclusion
With the right backsplash choice, you can create a kitchen that pops with contrast, color, and style. Whether you prefer an elegant neutral backsplash or want to make a bold colorful statement, there are so many options that look stunning paired with black granite countertops and crisp white cabinets. Carefully consider your own personal taste, kitchen style, and how the backsplash complements the full space. Then get creative mixing materials, patterns, textures, and colors for your dream backsplash design. Use these backsplash inspirations to create a striking and functional kitchen focal point you’ll love.